Somerset

Somerset is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

As of May 2026, the population of Somerset stands at approximately 4,175, according to calculations by AreaSearch. Compared to the 4,067 residents recorded in the 2021 Census, this represents a growth of 108 people (2.7%). This population shift is deduced from the ABS estimated resident population of 4,169 in June 2025, combined with 52 validated new addresses registered after the Census. The region has a density of 155 persons per square kilometer, which indicates low density and possibilities for future expansion. Somerset's post-census growth of 2.7% is close to the 3.2% recorded in the wider SA3 region, trailing it by just 0.5 percentage points and showing solid local growth dynamics. Most of the recent population gains were driven by interstate migration, which accounted for roughly 78.6% of the total increase.

Projections for SA2 districts published by the ABS and Geoscience Australia in 2024, using 2022 as their starting point, are utilized by AreaSearch. In instances where these datasets are unavailable, or to calculate age distribution shifts beyond 2032, population projections from the Tasmanian State Government released in 2022 (with a 2021 baseline) are applied using weighted aggregation from the LGA to the SA2 level. Based on these models, the area is projected to experience a demographic contraction, with the overall population declining by 367 persons by 2041. In contrast to this general downward trend, specific age brackets are expected to rise, particularly the 75 to 84 cohort, which is forecast to grow by 162 people. Please refer to the age breakdown section for further specifics.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Somerset, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

An average of 12 residential dwellings receive building approval annually in Somerset, representing 60 new homes over the last 5 financial years. In the current FY-26 period, 5 approvals have been documented so far. With an average of 1.2 additional residents per constructed dwelling over the 5 financial years from FY-21 to FY-25, demand and supply appear to be in equilibrium, yielding a stable market, though this has shifted to -0.8 people per dwelling over the last 2 financial years, indicating a more balanced supply-demand ratio. The average cost of new residential builds is $294,000. Additionally, commercial building approvals worth $554,000 have been registered in the current financial year, highlighting the predominantly residential character of the locality.

Compared to the Rest of Tas. region, Somerset's rate of new dwelling approvals per capita is approximately three-quarters as high, placing it in the 34th percentile of all areas evaluated across the country, which restricts options for prospective home buyers and bolsters demand for pre-existing houses. This rate also sits below the national average, pointing to the mature state of the local area and potential planning barriers. Every new residential construction has been a detached house, preserving the traditional low-density profile of the neighborhood and offering spacious options that appeal to families. The average of 472 people per residential approval indicates a quiet, low-frequency development sector.

Faced with flat or shrinking population projections, Somerset is likely to see reduced pressure on housing, creating conditions that favor property buyers.

Somerset has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 30thth percentile nationally

Local infrastructure projects, major works, and municipal planning developments are key drivers of regional performance. AreaSearch has tracked 3 projects that are expected to impact the local community. The most notable works include the Langley Park Clubroom Redevelopment and Amenities Upgrade, the Draft Outline Development Plan - Malakoff Street, the North West Coastal Pathway - Wynyard to Burnie Section, and the Marinus Link, with details on the most significant projects provided below.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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Somerset has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

The local workforce is evenly divided between white-collar and blue-collar occupations, with a strong presence in essential services, a low unemployment rate of 3.7%, and an estimated job growth rate of 3.1% over the prior year. By March 2026, there were 1,952 employed residents, with the unemployment rate sitting 0.2% below the Regional Tas. benchmark of 3.9%, while the participation rate is slightly low at 56.3% compared to the 58.8% registered across Regional Tas. Census data shows that a minor 5.2% of the workforce worked from home, though this figure may have been influenced by past pandemic containment measures.

The primary sectors employing local residents are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. The local economy is highly concentrated in the mining sector, where the proportion of jobs is 3.2 times higher than the regional average. In contrast, agriculture, forestry & fishing accounts for only 2.5% of jobs locally, compared to the regional average of 8.4%. The comparison between the number of local jobs and the size of the resident workforce suggests that local employment opportunities are somewhat restricted.

Based on AreaSearch's evaluation of SALM and ABS statistics, employment rose by 3.1% over the 12-month period, while the workforce expanded by 3.3%, leading to a 0.1 percentage point rise in unemployment. This pattern differs from Regional Tas., where employment expanded by 1.8%, the labor force grew by 1.7%, and unemployment decreased slightly. Employment forecasts at the national level released in May-25 by Jobs and Skills Australia provide context for future trends in Somerset. These five and ten-year projections have been applied to the local workforce structure to model future employment paths. While national employment is expected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, the rate of change varies widely by industry. Applying these industry projections to Somerset's employment profile indicates that local jobs could grow by 6.2% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, though this is a simple weighted estimate for illustration and does not incorporate local population forecasts.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

According to the most recent postcode-level ATO statistics released for the 2023 financial year, taxpayers in the Somerset SA2 earn a median income of $52,036 and an average income of $60,526. These figures are below the national benchmarks, and compare with a median of $49,689 and an average of $59,358 in Regional Tas. Adjusting for a Wage Price Index increase of 10.95% since the 2023 financial year, current estimates for March 2026 would be roughly $57,734 for the median and $67,154 for the average. The 2021 Census indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Somerset rank between the 7th and 11th percentiles nationally. The largest income bracket is the $400 - 799 weekly range, which contains 29.7% of taxpayers (1,239 residents), in contrast to the main metropolitan area where 28.5% of taxpayers earn in the $1,500 - 2,999 range. Discretionary income remaining after housing costs stands at 86.2%, though this is situated at the 10th percentile nationally.

Somerset is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Data from the most recent Census shows that the housing stock in Somerset consisted of 89.9% houses and 10.1% alternative dwellings such as townhouses, apartments, or other structures, matching the breakdown of 89.9% houses and 10.1% other dwellings seen in Regional Tas. Home ownership in Somerset stood at 41.1%, mirroring the rate in Regional Tas., while the remaining properties were either mortgaged (30.7%) or occupied by tenants (28.2%). The median monthly payment for home loans in the area was $1,192, below the Regional Tas. median of $1,274, while the median weekly rent was $240, compared to $250 across Regional Tas. In a national context, Somerset's mortgage payments are notably lower than the Australian median of $1,863, and rents are also significantly below the national median of $375.

Somerset features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Families form the majority of households at 65.1%, consisting of couples without children at 31.7%, couples with children at 20.7%, and single parents at 12.2%. Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 34.9% of households, with single-person households representing 32.8% and group shared households comprising 2.2%. The median household occupancy of 2.2 people is slightly below the Regional Tas. average of 2.3.

Somerset faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The region presents low levels of educational attainment, with university completion rates at 12.6%, well below the national mark of 30.4%. This represents both a hurdle and a target for educational programs. The most common university qualification is a bachelor degree at 8.8%, with postgraduate degrees at 2.3% and graduate diplomas at 1.5%. Vocational and technical qualifications are highly prevalent, with 39.7% of residents aged 15+ holding a trade credential, consisting of advanced diplomas (8.8%) and certificates (30.9%).

A significant proportion of the population, 24.7%, is enrolled in formal studies. This group includes 10.1% in primary school, 7.6% in high school, and 2.8% attending tertiary institutions.

Transport servicing is high compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Analysis of the local transit network shows 32 active public transport stops operating in Somerset, consisting of various bus options. These stops are served by 83 different routes, which support a total of 5,699 weekly passenger journeys. Transport links are rated as good, with residents living an average of 241 meters from the nearest stop. Because Somerset is primarily a residential area, the majority of workers commute to other areas, with private vehicles being the primary mode of travel for 96% of commuters. Household vehicle ownership averages 1.4 cars per home. A low proportion of 5.2% of residents worked from home, according to the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by pandemic-related restrictions.

The average frequency of public transit services is 814 trips per day across all routes, which translates to approximately 178 weekly departures for each transit stop.

Health performance in Somerset is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Somerset presents significant public health issues based on AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality patterns and the occurrence of chronic illnesses across both younger and older cohorts, alongside a relatively low rate of private health insurance, which covers roughly 49% of the population (~2,054 people). This is below the Australian average of 55.7%.

The primary medical conditions reported by local residents are arthritis (11.0%) and mental health conditions (10.6%), while 58.9% of the population reported no chronic health issues, compared to 62.0% in Regional Tas. Chronic disease rates are elevated among residents of working age. Residents aged 65 and over make up 27.0% of the population (1,128 people), which is higher than the Regional Tas. proportion of 24.9%. The health profiles of older residents show some challenges, with national percentiles generally matching those of the broader local community.

The latest Census data sees Somerset placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

The locality displays low levels of multicultural diversity, with 91.5% of the population born in Australia, 92.5% holding Australian citizenship, and 97.6% speaking only English at home. The predominant religion is Christianity, practiced by 43.1% of the population, which compares to 43.0% across Regional Tas.

Regarding family backgrounds, the three most common ancestries in Somerset are Australian at 35.0%, English at 34.8%, and Irish at 7.7%. There are also differences in the representation of other backgrounds: Australian Aboriginal residents account for 5.7% of the population (compared to 4.1% regionally), Dutch residents make up 1.5% (compared to 1.7%), and Welsh residents make up 0.5% (compared to 0.4%).

Somerset hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Somerset has a median age of 48, which is slightly higher than the Regional Tas. median of 45 and significantly older than the national median of 38. The 55 - 64 age bracket is highly represented at 16.4% of the population compared to Regional Tas., while the 35 - 44 cohort is less common at 9.6%. The proportion of residents aged 55 - 64 is well above the national figure of 11.2%. Since the 2021 Census, the 65 to 74 age group has risen from 13.5% to 14.7% of the population, and the 55 to 64 group has increased from 15.3% to 16.4%. In contrast, the 5 to 14 cohort decreased from 11.0% to 9.6%, and the 0 to 4 group declined from 5.2% to 4.1%. Demographic projections suggest the age profile will shift considerably by 2041. The 75 to 84 bracket is expected to see strong growth, rising by 147 people (38%) from 387 to 535. The combined cohorts aged 65 and over are projected to account for 96% of the net population growth, highlighting the aging profile of the area. Conversely, the population in the 65 to 74 and 0 to 4 brackets is expected to decline.